Mauritius
is an island of vivid colours, rich culture and natural wonders that
many travellers never discover. Explore surprising facts and island
insights that reveal the country’s unique traditions, volcanic
heritage and coastal beauty.
• Mauritius was once home to the dodo, one of history’s most famous extinct animals.
• The island has no indigenous population — every community arrived through waves of migration.
• The “Seven Coloured Earths” in Chamarel naturally display layers of different pigments.
• Mauritius has one of the world’s safest tropical climates with minimal cyclone impact compared to nearby islands.
• The island’s giant tortoises were once so plentiful that sailors collected them by the hundreds.
• Mauritius pioneered the concept of the “Underwater Waterfall” illusion — a natural optical phenomenon visible by helicopter.
• It has advanced marine conservation programmes, including coral farming and lagoon restoration.
• The country hosts world-leading research on island biodiversity and endemic species.
• Mauritius developed a highly successful financial and tech sector for a small-island nation.
• Sugarcane research on the island is among the most advanced in the world.
• Modest clothing is appreciated in villages and religious sites.
• Shoes should be removed when entering temples and some private homes.
• Public displays of affection are acceptable in tourist areas but more conservative elsewhere.
• Smoking is restricted in many public places and beaches.
• Respect for all religions is expected — Mauritius celebrates multiple major faiths.
• Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam is considered the “Father of the Nation.”
• Subramania Bharati, the Indian poet, lived in exile in Mauritius and influenced local culture.
• Jean-Paul “Blue Boy” Barallon helped preserve Sega music traditions.
• Fabrice Coiffic is a globally recognised sprinter from Mauritius.
• Malcolm de Chazal remains one of the island’s most unique artists and writers.
• Mauritius is a volcanic island surrounded by the world’s third-largest coral reef.
• Le Morne Brabant is a UNESCO World Heritage Site tied to Mauritius’ history of resistance.
• Black River Gorges National Park protects rare forests and wildlife.
• The coastline stretches for more than 160 km with sandy lagoons ideal for swimming.
• Rodrigues, a remote island of Mauritius, offers untouched landscapes and quiet seclusion.
• Mauritius is a multicultural society blending Indian, African, French and Chinese heritage.
• Creole, English, French and several Asian languages influence everyday speech.
• Family gatherings and food traditions form the heart of local life.
• Sega dancing is an essential part of celebrations and community events.
• Market culture is vibrant, especially in towns like Port Louis and Flacq.
• Dholl puri, roti and Creole curries are staples of Mauritian street food.
• Divali, Eid, Chinese New Year and Christmas are all celebrated nationally.
• Handicrafts include basket weaving, model shipbuilding and wood carving.
• Tea estates, rum distilleries and vanilla plantations reflect old plantation culture.
• Sega Tipik, the island’s traditional music, is recognised by UNESCO.
• Arabs were the first known visitors, followed by the Portuguese, Dutch, French and British.
• The Dutch named the island after Prince Maurice of Nassau.
• French rule heavily shaped the island’s culture, language and cuisine.
• Indo-Mauritians arrived as indentured labourers and now form a large percentage of the population.
• Aapravasi Ghat is a UNESCO site honouring the history of indentured labour.
• Chamarel Waterfall cascades down basalt cliffs into a lush valley.
• Île aux Cerfs is known for its turquoise waters and water sports.
• Pamplemousses Botanical Garden is one of the oldest in the Southern Hemisphere.
• La Vanille Nature Park is home to giant tortoises and crocodiles.
• The Underwater Waterfall illusion at Le Morne is one of the Indian Ocean’s most iconic views.
• The official language is English, but French and Creole dominate daily life.
• Mauritius has one of Africa’s highest Human Development Index scores.
• The national bird is the dodo — though extinct.
• Tourism, textiles and finance drive the economy.
• The island’s reef protects most beaches from strong waves.
• Mauritius is considered one of the safest countries in Africa.
• Vanille and sugarcane plantations date back centuries.
• The currency is the Mauritian rupee.
• The last dodo was seen in the late 1600s.
• Mauritius has no major rivers but many waterfalls.
• Marine life includes dolphins, turtles and reef sharks.
• The island gained independence in 1968.